Cheap bus tickets from Des Moines to Sioux Falls
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Bus from Des Moines to Sioux Falls: Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from Des Moines to Sioux Falls. Traveling by bus from Des Moines to Sioux Falls usually takes around 12 hours and 35 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 6 hours,
| Distance | 208 mi (335 km) |
| Shortest duration | 6h |
| Cheapest price | $121.00 |
| Trips per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 1 |
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Des Moines to Sioux Falls Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Des Moines to Sioux Falls:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Des Moines to Sioux Falls?
Bus tickets for a trip from Des Moines to Sioux Falls cost $144.50 on average. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Sioux Falls. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Des Moines to Sioux Falls by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Des Moines to Sioux Falls in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $152 to $156. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on August 29, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Sioux Falls this week, bus tickets are available starting at $152.
Average bus ticket prices from Des Moines to Sioux Falls by month
Taking the bus from Des Moines to Sioux Falls is usually cheapest in October, when the average ticket price is only $151. If you're planning to take the bus from Des Moines to Sioux Falls during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $160. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 9 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $23.50 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Des Moines to Sioux Falls?
There are multiple buses that travel from Des Moines to Sioux Falls, including Jefferson Lines. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 3 | 12h 35m | $154.94 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Sioux Falls from $121. There are 3 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Sioux Falls and you can expect on average to pay $154.94 for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Sioux Falls. In Des Moines, Jefferson Lines departs to Sioux Falls from Des Moines. In Sioux Falls, Jefferson Lines arrives at 4110 W Maple St.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Sioux Falls takes 12 hours and 35 minutes, while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Sioux Falls in 6 hours and 0 minutes.
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 3 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $121 for a weekend trip to Sioux Falls.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Des Moines to Sioux Falls
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Des Moines to Sioux Falls every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The bus takes an average of 12 hours and 35 minutes to cover the 208 miles from Des Moines to Sioux Falls. However, the fastest bus only takes 6 hours. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
DISTANCE (MI)
208
DISTANCE (KM)
335
The first bus leaves at 12:01am and the last bus leaves at 7:10pm. To see the times for all buses from Des Moines to Sioux Falls, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
12:01am
LATEST BUS
7:10pm
Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Thursday
LEAST CROWDED
Monday
City Information
Des Moines
Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa and the most populous city in the state. It has been named the third-largest insurance capital in the world because of its relevance in the US insurance industry. Des Moines is home to historic landmarks, especially in the East Village area. These include the gold-domed Iowa State Capitol building. Art lovers can visit the Des Moines Art Center, which has notable contemporary collections, and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, a pedestrian space with public attractions. Des Moines also has spots for outdoor adventures, like the Blank Park Zoo, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Living History Farms.
Des Moines offers diverse places for entertainment, like the Praire Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel, and the Salisbury House & Gardens, a concert venue in a 1920s manor. In the heart of the city is Downtown Des Moines, which has different attractions and entertainment venues, festivals and concerts, shopping spots, sports teams, restaurants, bars, and breweries.
It's very easy to access Des Moines when you're traveling by bus. Over a hundred neighboring cities offer bus lines to the city, powered by companies like Jefferson Lines, Tornado Bus, Burlington Trailways, and El Expreso Bus. The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority also provides bus routes throughout the city.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Des Moines?
Main departure station: Des Moines
Most buses depart from the main station in Des Moines.
All bus stations in Des Moines:
- Des Moines
Where does the bus arrive in Sioux Falls?
Main arrival station: 4110 W Maple St
All buses from Des Moines arrive at one main station in Sioux Falls.
All bus stations in Sioux Falls:
- 4110 W Maple St
Need a return trip from Sioux Falls to Des Moines?
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